Graduation Information Packet

 

COMMENCEMENT INFORMATION

 

Bel Air High School Class of 2025

 

 

 

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Thursday, May 29, 2025

6:00 PM

(Doors open at 4:30 PM)

 

APG Federal Credit Union Arena at Harford Community College

(401 Thomas Run Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015)

Commencement  Information

 

 Tickets:

  • Each Senior will receive 6 tickets total for the graduation ceremony (all ages require a
  • qr ticket for entry). Requests for additional tickets can be made beginning April 25, 2025 at 8:00 AM with this link: https://forms.office.com/r/UhzwRsKLQJ or use the QR Code at the right.
  • In order to receive tickets, seniors must turn in laptops, textbooks, sports equipment and uniforms, library books, and pay outstanding obligations.
  • LOST TICKETS CANNOT BE REPLACED; pictures will not replace a physical ticket.

Graduates:

  • All graduates are invited to attend and do not require a ticket for entry.Please contact Mrs. Smith if you will not be attending the ceremony.
  • Report to Room 216 (Auxiliary Gym) by 5 PM (enter in door to the left of the main entrance to the Arena). Allow time for traffic & parking!
  • Cap, gown, and appropriate attire are required (see dress code further in the packet).Many reminders have been sent to those who have not yet placed their Cap and Gown orders with Jostens – delivery at this point cannot be guaranteed in time for graduation, but our best efforts will be made.Caps are NOT to be decorated.

Arrival and Seating:

  • Parking is available for all guests. Handicap parking is provided near the front entrance of the Arena (must have hanging placard visible or disability license plate).Ramps are provided to the Arena entrance; Wheelchair/Special Needs seating is provided on both levels of the Arena.If any of your guests need an interpreter during the ceremony, please contact Deanna Smith @ [email protected] by May
  •  PLEASE ALLOW AMPLE TIME FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO PARK.If you arrive after the ceremony begins, you will need to wait for an appropriate time to be seated.
  • Admission is limited to the main entrance.
  • Seating is first-come, first-served, as seats are not assigned and cannot be reserved.

Electronics, Photos, and Videos:

  • Please silence all cell phones and electronic devices during the ceremony as to not interrupt speeches, names being announced and interfering with the stadium’s sound system.
  • Guests must remain at their seats and seated when taking photos and/or videos as to not block others.
  • All graduates will be professionally photographed as they receive their diploma.All seniors will be given a Lifetouch website address and a password to access all the images that will be posted online from graduation.Ordering will be done online.
  • A Youtube link will be provided which will Live Stream the event.

Processional/Recessional:

  • All Seniors will process in pairs down the center aisle and will split right & left, filling one row at a time. Graduates sitting on the right (A-K) will enter the stage from the right and walk across the stage to the left.Graduates sitting on the left (K-Z) will enter the stage from the left and walk across to the stage to the right.
  • Seniors will receive all official documents when they exit the stage.
  • Recessonal:Graduates will recess down the center aisle, beginning with the last row.
  • Guests are to remain seated until all graduates have exited the arena and are not permitted to stand near the exits at the arena or along the concourse.
  • Guests will meet their graduates in the parking lot.

Audience Expectations

  • We have made great efforts to make our graduation a day our students will remember, as it is a memorable event for all involved.We are asking all guests to respect this ceremony by dressing appropriately, refraining from calling out, and remaining seated as the graduates both enter and exit the arena (no standing around the concourse in order to keep stairways and hallways free for all graduates to exit in an orderly manner.
  • The following are not permitted in the arena: Smoking, Vaping, Strollers, Large Purses/Bags limit to 10x10x10), Balloons, Food (some packaged snacks and water will be available for sale before the ceremony begins).
  • Please keep supervision over younger siblings to maintain respect for the ceremony.
  • All guests must be seated and cannot remain standing around the concourse.

Graduate Information and Expectations for the Remainder of the Year

  • Seniors will be notified by School Counselors regarding meeting the requirements for graduation.
  • Candidates participating in the ceremony must be in attendance for the May 20 practice – and be PROMPT!
  • All emergencies must be communicated to Mrs. Yost. If employed, you must contact your employer now to make arrangements to be in attendance.
  • You will eat first lunch and attend practice after - it will end at approximately 12:00PM.
  • Candidates are reminded that acceptable behavior is a requirement for graduation practice.
  • All policies of the Board of Education of Harford County are in effect at the above-mentioned events.
  • All apparel must be in compliance with the current dress code standards for graduation.
  • Appropriate attire is an important aspect of ceremonies at which Caps and Gowns are worn.
  • Gowns must be zipped; No items (handbags, backpacks, string bags) are permitted to be carried or worn with cap and gown attire during the Processional.
  • Please hold on to your cap, gown and tassel (attach the tassel securely and do not leave it unattended); they are easily lost and difficult to replace.
  • There is no secured storage space for personal items.Do not bring purses, bags, etc.You will not be able to re-enter the building after the ceremony to retrieve any personal items left behind.
  • During graduation lineup, restrooms near the auxiliary gym will be open.You are not permitted to bring in food or drink of any kind.

Graduate Attire/Dress Code:

  • Dress or skirt/dress pants/blouse combination in white/light color and style appropriate for a formal ceremony.
  • Dress pants/khakis (NO denim jeans, cargo pants, shorts, sweatpants or yoga pants/leggings).
  • White or light-colored dress shirt with collar and appropriate tie.
  • Socks in a color appropriate for pants or natural-colored nylons or pantyhose (if desired).
  • Dress shoes that are comfortable and appropriate for walking up/down stairs and across the stage at a formal ceremony.Heels, flats, wedges, platforms and espadrilles will be permitted (no flip flops, tennis shoes, boots).A boat shoe similar to a Sperry may be worn.
  • Cap is worn flat, with tassel hanging on the student’s right side (no decorations on cap or gown other than approved cords and stoles).Bring some bobby pins (about 6 to keep your cap on).

Rose Arches

A long-standing tradition at Bel Air High School, rose arches are constructed by members of the Junior Class for graduates to walk under during the processional.  There will be a total of 14 rose arches in the arena.   If you know of anyone in the community that would like to donate their home-grown roses to our arch displays, please contact Deanna Smith at [email protected].